In the elegiac folk story, Beowulf, “the great masterpiece of Anglo-Saxon literature,” a mighty yet noble warrior and King of the Geats, faces three battles that detail his heroic life (Diana). Through his God-sent powers, Beowulf’s selflessness and leadership drive him against his enemies as he protects his people. Influenced by Christianity in the early Danish society, the protagonist, Beowulf, values loyalty, courage, and faith in the face of extreme danger and death. Loyal to his King, Hrothgar, his fellow warriors, and family, Beowulf exemplifies loyalty and chivalry in his battle against enemies. In the beginning of epic, Hrothgar comes to the aid of Edgetho, Beowulf’s father, after he needed assistance. This leads to Beowulf’s desire to help Hrothgar after Grendel attacked Herot, displaying loyalty in repaying his
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Obviously, Grendel and his mother as descendants of Cain, the son of Adam who kills his brother Abel, marks the first Christian reference (Mazzeno). We also see the recognition by Beowulf and other characters in the poem that their lives are in the hands of God; He determines their destiny and rewards or punishes them for their deeds. After Beowulf defeats Grendel’s mother, he thanks the “Holy God, who sent him victory” (Line 425). Additionally, characters display the Christian morals of self-sacrifice and courage. In the Danish kingdom, Beowulf leaves his life at risk by relieving Hrothgar’s people from Grendel and fighting him alone. Similarly, now as king of the Geats, he leads his people in combat against the dragon to claim the treasure that benefits his people, not just himself. This typifies the idea of gift giving and generosity. Moreover, Hrothgar shares his treasures with Beowulf to honor his bravery and Beowulf shares gifts he receives from the king with
Obviously, Grendel and his mother as descendants of Cain, the son of Adam who kills his brother Abel, marks the first Christian reference (Mazzeno). We also see the recognition by Beowulf and other characters in the poem that their lives are in the hands of God; He determines their destiny and rewards or punishes them for their deeds. After Beowulf defeats Grendel’s mother, he thanks the “Holy God, who sent him victory” (Line 425). Additionally, characters display the Christian morals of self-sacrifice and courage. In the Danish kingdom, Beowulf leaves his life at risk by relieving Hrothgar’s people from Grendel and fighting him alone. Similarly, now as king of the Geats, he leads his people in combat against the dragon to claim the treasure that benefits his people, not just himself. This typifies the idea of gift giving and generosity. Moreover, Hrothgar shares his treasures with Beowulf to honor his bravery and Beowulf shares gifts he receives from the king with